If an award were given out for the most popular and talked-about
supplement of the year, it's fair to say that vitamin D might win the
contest. Dozens of research studies reveal that vitamin D deficiency is at
the root of many chronic diseases and new studies keep springing up week
after week, amounting to an Everest-size pile.

Another topic that has been frequenting the medical journals is brain
health; cognitive decline, dementia,
and Alzheimer's are becoming more
prevalent in our aging society and
this issue is suggesting the need to
examine ways to prevent cognitive
decline or halt its progress. There
is significant concern about controlling the medical costs associated with
the most severe condition, Alzheimer's, which can be emotionally and
financially devastating to the patient and his or her family.

Not surprisingly, the topic of vitamin D and cognitive function have
intersected in a recent research study, supporting the theory that vitamin
D reduces inflammation and offers neuroprotection. The results of this
study may inspire physicians to add vitamin D to their "cognitive support"
protocol.

Published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, this Italian study
spanned six years, and followed 865 adults aged 65 and older. Every three
years, participants' vitamin D levels were measured and cognitive function
was assessed with a test called the "Mini-Mental State Examination."

The resulting data showed that there was a 60% increased risk of
substantial cognitive decline in those who were severely serum 25(OH)D
deficient (levels <25 nmol/L) in comparison to those with sufficient levels of
25(OH)D ( 75 nmol/L).

The authors' conclusion was "Low levels of vitamin D were associated
with substantial cognitive decline in the elderly population studied over a
six-year period, which raises important new possibilities for treatment
and prevention."

The Vitamin D Council website (www.vitamindcouncil.org) lists more
than 60 studies that explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and
cognitive function to support this particular study. And don't forget that
Vitamin D has co-factors that enhance absorption, including magnesium,
zinc, K2, and boron.

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